Samadhi Aur Sallekhana

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samadhi aur Sallekhana" by Ratanchand Bharilla, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Samadhi aur Sallekhana (समाधि और सल्लेखना) Author: Pandit Ratanchand Bharilla (अध्यात्म रत्नाकर पण्डित रतनचन्द भारिल्ल) Publisher: Digambar Jain Vidwatparishad Trust

Core Concepts and Themes:

The book "Samadhi aur Sallekhana" delves into two fundamental Jain concepts: Samadhi (समाधि), which is presented as the art of living, and Sallekhana (सल्लेखना), which is described as a celebration of death. The central argument is that true spiritual progress and ultimate liberation are achieved through the practice of Samadhi in life, which then naturally leads to a peaceful and auspicious death through Sallekhana.

Understanding Samadhi:

• Definition: Samadhi is defined as a state of being free from "Aadhi" (mental afflictions like anger, etc.), "Vyaadhi" (physical ailments), and "Upaadhi" (the burden of the ego of doership in external matters). It is a state of stability in one's pure soul-form (शुद्धात्मस्वरूप).
• Benefits: The practice of Samadhi leads to the fame of the soul, an increase in virtues, and the prosperity of inner spiritual powers. Regular study of the principles of Samadhi purifies the soul, brings peace, and enhances virtues.
• Art of Living: Samadhi is explicitly called the "art of living" (जीवन जीने की कला). It is the path to attaining the "Siddha Shila" (the abode of liberated souls).
• Foundation of Spirituality: It is presented as the process of attaining "Bodhi" (enlightenment) and the path to achieving liberation ("Shivpanth").
• Key Principles: To achieve Samadhi, understanding fundamental Jain principles is crucial:
  • "No one gets anything more than their destiny or before their time." (भाग्य से अधिक और समय से पहले किसी को कभी कुछ नहीं मिलता)
  • "We are neither the giver nor the receiver of each other's happiness or sorrow." (न तो हम किसी के सुख-दुःख के दाता हैं, भले-बुरे के कर्ता हैं और न कोई हमें भी सुख-दुःख दे सकता है)
  • "The principle of 'Vastu Swatantrya' (वस्तु स्वातंत्र्य) - the independence of all substances." This means every atom and substance in the universe operates independently. All interactions are relative and depend on circumstances.
• Misconceptions: The book addresses the misconception that discussing Samadhi is inauspicious, comparing it to playing a death knell at a wedding. It clarifies that Samadhi is about how to live, and its discussion is meant to inspire a mindful life and prepare for a peaceful end, not to invite misfortune.
• Path to Samadhi: It involves:
  • Sannyas (सन्यास): Renunciation of worldly attachments, body, and pleasures, recognizing them as transient, sorrowful, and the cause of sorrow.
  • Self-Realization: Understanding and experiencing the true nature of the soul (आत्मा की पहचान, प्रतीति व श्रद्धा).
  • Moksha Marga: Progressing on the path of Right Faith (Samyaɡdarshan), Right Knowledge (Samyaɡgyan), and Right Conduct (Samyaɡcharitra).
  • Mindfulness and Equanimity: Concentrating the mind on pure thoughts (शुभोपयोग), overcoming mental and physical afflictions, and dwelling in the self.
  • Contemplation (Anupeksha): Regularly reflecting on Jain principles.

Understanding Sallekhana:

• Definition: Sallekhana is a Jain practice of controlled fasting and renunciation of worldly attachments and desires leading up to death. The term itself means "proper writing" or "thinning" (सत् + लेखना = सल्लेखना), referring to the gradual emaciation of both the body (काय) and passions (कषाय).
• "Death Festival" (मृत्यु महोत्सव): Sallekhana transforms death from a feared event into a celebratory occasion for the soul's well-being.
• Distinction from Suicide: The book strongly differentiates Sallekhana from suicide. Suicide is driven by attachment, hatred, and deluded states, leading to negative karmic consequences. Sallekhana, however, is performed with detachment, equanimity, and the intention of spiritual purification, making it a virtuous act.
• Purpose: Sallekhana is undertaken when circumstances prevent further spiritual practice (due to old age, incurable illness, famine, etc.) or as a conscious decision to purify the soul before death. It is a way to hasten the shedding of karmic bonds.
• Methods: It involves the gradual reduction of food and drink, eventually renouncing all intake, while maintaining a state of equanimity and spiritual contemplation.
• "AtiCHAR" (अतिचार): The text lists five transgressions of Sallekhana: desire to live (जीवितशंसा), desire to die quickly (मरणाशंसा), attachment to friends (मित्रानुराग), dwelling on past pleasures (सुखानुबन्ध), and making desires for future pleasures (निदान).

The Interplay Between Samadhi and Sallekhana:

• Samadhi as the Cause, Sallekhana as the Effect: Samadhi is the practice of living a virtuous and detached life, while Sallekhana is the ultimate expression of that detached living at the time of death. A life lived with Samadhi naturally prepares one for Sallekhana.
• Preparation for Death: The book emphasizes that one cannot simply decide to perform Sallekhana at the last moment. The foundation of equanimity and detachment (Samadhi) must be cultivated throughout life.
• The Ultimate Goal: Both are means to achieve liberation (Moksha). Samadhi is the constant practice of the soul's true nature, and Sallekhana is the deliberate renunciation of the body at the right time, guided by spiritual wisdom.

Key Takeaways and Advice:

• Embrace Impermanence: Recognize the transient nature of the body, relationships, and worldly possessions.
• Self-Reliance: Understand that the soul is the ultimate refuge. Do not rely on external factors or other beings for happiness or liberation.
• Mind Control: The mind is the source of both suffering and liberation. Through consistent practice, one can control the mind and direct it towards the soul.
• Fearlessness: By understanding the soul's eternal nature, one can overcome the fear of death.
• Mortal vs. Immortal: The body is mortal, but the soul is immortal. The focus should be on the eternal soul, not the temporary body.
• Cherish Human Life: The human life form, along with access to Jain scriptures and guidance, is extremely rare and precious. It should be utilized for spiritual progress.
• The Role of Knowledge: True happiness and peace come from self-knowledge (Atma-gyan) and understanding the principles of Jainism.

Examples and Testimonials:

The book includes numerous examples of enlightened souls (munis and ascetics) who faced severe suffering and hardships (from animals, natural elements, enemies) with equanimity and achieved Samadhi-Maran. These examples serve as inspiration and proof of the power of faith and detachment.

Overall Message:

"Samadhi aur Sallekhana" is a profound guide for Jains on how to live a meaningful life leading to a dignified and spiritually beneficial death. It stresses the importance of cultivating inner peace, detachment, and self-awareness throughout life as the preparation for a glorious end that ultimately leads to liberation. It's an invitation to transform life into a spiritual journey and death into a celebration of freedom.